A research team at Virginia Tech has discovered some of the genetic mechanisms for the bed bug's resistance to two of the most popular pyrethroids.

Welcome to the Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech

Our faculty address a broad range of issues involving insects in most of their habitats: in our crops, houses, forests, fields, vegetables, fruits, water, food, and on our bodies. Research programs are varied and include internationally recognized foundational biomedical research programs emphasizing vector-borne diseases and their transmission by mosquitoes. Comparative genomics and molecular genetics of these vectors provide insights into our ability to explain their vectorial capacity with the goal of improving pest management and disease reduction. Faculty are also involved in an incredibly wide variety of applied insect management efforts, including these mosquito vectors as well as pests attacking our food, forests, and homes. These management efforts focus on the development and application of biologically based and sustainable management tools in novel and exciting ways. Virginia Tech’s Extension programs effectively communicate the latest developments in pest management and invasive species across the commonwealth. Extension faculty successfully protect human health and the environment through comprehensive, statewide pesticide safety education efforts. Research programs are exploring the remarkable biodiversity of insects in the Appalachians and beyond, and a new program in Pollinator Biology and Ecology will add an important dimension to our portfolio.

Our Extension, research, and outreach programs have had a tremendous global impact, largely due to the energy of a strong graduate student program (>50 M.S. and Ph.D. students and growing!). Our faculty are deeply committed to providing individual education and professional development opportunities for our students inside and outside the classroom. We encourage prospective students to explore our department and consider Virginia Tech as you build the foundation for your career as an entomologist. If you have any questions or comments, we invite you to contact us to learn more about programs and opportunities in the department.

Tenure-Track Faculty Position Announcement: Arbovirologist

The Department of Entomology at Virginia Tech is pleased to announce and invite applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position as an Arbovirologist. The incumbent in this Research/Teaching (70/30) position will be expected to develop an extramurally funded research program focused on arthropod-borne viruses and serve as a member of the established Vector-Borne Disease Research Group in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute at Virginia Tech. This world-class research facility includes a dedicated insectary and BL3 containment facility. The incumbent is expected to teach courses at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, contribute to innovative curricula, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students. The individual hired must have a minimum of a Ph.D. in microbiology, virology, entomology, genetics, zoology, or a closely related field. Applicants with demonstrated postdoctoral research experience with mosquito-borne viruses of human diseases and arthropod vectors are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is available in early fall and review of applications will begin December 1, 2016 and will continue until a suitable candidate is selected.